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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 from 155 reviews

This Red Velvet Brownies recipe offers a rich, moist dessert combining the classic deep cocoa flavor with the distinctive red hue of red velvet. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these brownies are perfect for any occasion, blending indulgence and elegance in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Red Velvet Brownies

  • ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (85g)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200g)
  • ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar (55g)
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 1 large Egg Yolk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil (72g / 80ml)
  • ¼ cup Cocoa Powder (25g)
  • ¾ cup All-purpose Flour (90g)
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Red Food Coloring
  • ¾ cup White Chocolate Chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz Cream Cheese (114g)
  • ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (85g)
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar (480g)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if fan-assisted.
  2. Melt Butter: Melt ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter in the microwave using 30-second increments until fully melted.
  3. Mix Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup light brown sugar. Add melted butter and whisk together until combined.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 3 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Mix gently to combine without overmixing to avoid a cakey texture.
  5. Add Oil and Cocoa Powder: Add ⅓ cup vegetable oil and ¼ cup cocoa powder to the batter. Gently whisk until completely blended, again avoiding aeration.
  6. Incorporate Red Food Coloring: Transfer a few tablespoons of batter to a small bowl. Stir in ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring until smooth and lump-free. Add this colored mixture back into the main batter and mix until combined.
  7. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold in ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt until no lumps remain.
  8. Add Vinegar: Stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar thoroughly to integrate.
  9. Add White Chocolate Chips (Optional): If desired, fold ¾ cup white chocolate chips into the batter for extra richness.
  10. Bake the Brownies: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
  11. Cool the Brownies: Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely before frosting.
  12. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 4 oz cream cheese and ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter at room temperature until smooth and combined.
  13. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in 4 cups powdered sugar, then beat on high speed for several minutes until light and fluffy.
  14. Finish Frosting: Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  15. Frost the Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent the brownies from becoming cakey; a fudgy texture is ideal.
  • Using gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red color without thinning the batter.
  • White chocolate chips are optional but add a pleasant sweet contrast to the cocoa flavor.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
  • Store frosted brownies in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate dessert, easy brownies recipe, red velvet dessert